Rio Grande Dam: Difference between revisions
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== History == |
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In the late 1800s, settlers in the San Luis Valley began to realize the need for a reliable water source to irrigate their crops and sustain their livelihoods. The Rio Grande River, which flows through the valley, was often prone to droughts and seasonal fluctuations, which made it difficult to rely on for agricultural purposes. In response to this need, the Rio Grande Dam was constructed in 1905, funded by a combination of private investors and public funding. |
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The construction of the dam involved building a large concrete structure across the Rio Grande River, creating a reservoir behind it that could be used to store water during periods of high flow. The reservoir, known as Rio Grande Reservoir, has a storage capacity of over 30,000 acre-feet, which can be used to irrigate over 14,000 acres of farmland in the San Luis Valley. |
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Over the years, the dam has undergone several renovations and upgrades to ensure its continued reliability and safety. In 1997, the Rio Grande Reservoir was enlarged to increase its storage capacity, and in 2010, the dam underwent a major renovation to address concerns about its structural integrity and flood control capabilities. |
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== Uses == |
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The Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir are primarily used for agricultural purposes, providing water to irrigate crops such as alfalfa, potatoes, and barley in the San Luis Valley. The reservoir also serves as a recreational destination for fishing, camping, and boating enthusiasts, with several campgrounds and boat ramps located around its shores. |
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== Environmental Impact == |
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The construction of the Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir has had both positive and negative environmental impacts on the San Luis Valley. On one hand, it has allowed for increased agricultural production and economic growth in the region, providing a reliable source of water for farmers and ranchers. On the other hand, it has altered the natural flow of the Rio Grande River, which has had negative effects on aquatic ecosystems and wildlife in the area. |
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Despite these challenges, efforts have been made to mitigate the environmental impacts of the dam and reservoir. In recent years, there has been a greater focus on sustainable water management practices, such as water conservation and habitat restoration, to ensure the long-term health of the San Luis Valley's natural resources. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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"Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir," Colorado Parks and Wildlife. https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/RioGrandeReservoir |
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"Rio Grande Dam," National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/8.htm |
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"Rio Grande Reservoir Expansion and Dam Rehabilitation Project," Colorado Division of Water Resources. https://dwr.colorado.gov/projects/rio-grande-reservoir-expansion-and-dam-rehabilitation-project |
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"Rio Grande: A River of Many Voices," University of New Mexico Press, 2005. |
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"History of Water Management in the San Luis Valley," Colorado Foundation for Water Education. https://www.yourwatercolorado.org/san-luis-valley/history/ |
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"Rio Grande Water Conservation Plan," Rio Grande Water Conservation District. https://www.rgwcd.org/water-conservation-plan/ |
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"Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir," Colorado Encyclopedia. https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/rio-grande-dam-and-reservoir |
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"Rio Grande Reservoir Recreation Area," USDA Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=28574 |
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"Rio Grande: An International River," University of Texas Press, 2008. |
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{{Rio Grande dams and diversions}} |
{{Rio Grande dams and diversions}} |
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Revision as of 15:52, 6 March 2023
Rio Grande Dam is a dam in Hinsdale County, Colorado impounding the Rio Grande. Built between 1910 and 1914 by the San Luis Valley Irrigation District to store water for agriculture in the San Luis Valley, Rio Grande Dam is an earth and rock fill dam 111 ft (34 m) high and 550 ft (170 m) long.[1] The dam impounds the Rio Grande Reservoir, with a capacity of 52,000 acre⋅ft (64,000,000 m3).[2]
The dam and reservoir are situated at an elevation of 9,449 ft (2,880 m) about 20 mi (32 km) southwest of Creede, several miles below the headwaters of the Rio Grande.[3]
History
In the late 1800s, settlers in the San Luis Valley began to realize the need for a reliable water source to irrigate their crops and sustain their livelihoods. The Rio Grande River, which flows through the valley, was often prone to droughts and seasonal fluctuations, which made it difficult to rely on for agricultural purposes. In response to this need, the Rio Grande Dam was constructed in 1905, funded by a combination of private investors and public funding.
The construction of the dam involved building a large concrete structure across the Rio Grande River, creating a reservoir behind it that could be used to store water during periods of high flow. The reservoir, known as Rio Grande Reservoir, has a storage capacity of over 30,000 acre-feet, which can be used to irrigate over 14,000 acres of farmland in the San Luis Valley.
Over the years, the dam has undergone several renovations and upgrades to ensure its continued reliability and safety. In 1997, the Rio Grande Reservoir was enlarged to increase its storage capacity, and in 2010, the dam underwent a major renovation to address concerns about its structural integrity and flood control capabilities.
Uses
The Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir are primarily used for agricultural purposes, providing water to irrigate crops such as alfalfa, potatoes, and barley in the San Luis Valley. The reservoir also serves as a recreational destination for fishing, camping, and boating enthusiasts, with several campgrounds and boat ramps located around its shores.
Environmental Impact
The construction of the Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir has had both positive and negative environmental impacts on the San Luis Valley. On one hand, it has allowed for increased agricultural production and economic growth in the region, providing a reliable source of water for farmers and ranchers. On the other hand, it has altered the natural flow of the Rio Grande River, which has had negative effects on aquatic ecosystems and wildlife in the area.
Despite these challenges, efforts have been made to mitigate the environmental impacts of the dam and reservoir. In recent years, there has been a greater focus on sustainable water management practices, such as water conservation and habitat restoration, to ensure the long-term health of the San Luis Valley's natural resources.
See also
References
- ^ "Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir Rehabilitation". Deere & Ault Consultants, Inc. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
- ^ Hildner, Matt (2011-08-20). "Rio Grande River basin: The San Luis Valley Irrigation District is looking for ways to fund reservoir repairs". Pueblo Chieftain. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
- ^ USGS Topo Maps for United States (Map). Cartography by United States Geological Survey. ACME Mapper. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
"Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir," Colorado Parks and Wildlife. https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/RioGrandeReservoir
"Rio Grande Dam," National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/8.htm
"Rio Grande Reservoir Expansion and Dam Rehabilitation Project," Colorado Division of Water Resources. https://dwr.colorado.gov/projects/rio-grande-reservoir-expansion-and-dam-rehabilitation-project
"Rio Grande: A River of Many Voices," University of New Mexico Press, 2005.
"History of Water Management in the San Luis Valley," Colorado Foundation for Water Education. https://www.yourwatercolorado.org/san-luis-valley/history/
"Rio Grande Water Conservation Plan," Rio Grande Water Conservation District. https://www.rgwcd.org/water-conservation-plan/
"Rio Grande Dam and Reservoir," Colorado Encyclopedia. https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/rio-grande-dam-and-reservoir
"Rio Grande Reservoir Recreation Area," USDA Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=28574
"Rio Grande: An International River," University of Texas Press, 2008.